Nectarine tree, Burnecttwentyeight

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree ( Prunus persica  sub species  nuciperisica ), and which is denominated varietally as ‘Burnecttwentyeight’, and which further produces, an attractively colored firm-fleshed, acid, clingstone nectarine, which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 16 to June 27 under ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California.

BOTANICAL DESIGNATION

Botanical Designation: The present invention relates to a new, novel and distinct variety of nectarine tree, Prunus persica (subspecies nucipersica).

VARIETAL DENOMINATION

Varietal denomination: ‘Burnecttwentyeight.’

BACKGROUND OF THE NEW VARIETY

The present variety of nectarine tree resulted from an on-going program of fruit and nut tree breeding. The purpose of this program is to improve the commercial quality of available deciduous fruit and nut varieties, and rootstocks, by creating and releasing promising selections of Prunus, Malus Punica and Regia species. To this end we make both controlled and hybrid cross pollinations each year in order to produce seedling populations from which improved progenies are evaluated and selected.

The seedling ‘Burnecttwentyeight’ was originated by us from a population of seedlings grown in our experimental orchards which are located near Fowler, Calif. The seedlings, grown on their own roots, were the result of a controlled cross made in February of 2007, of the yellow-fleshed nectarine tree, ‘Burnecttwentytwo’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,724), which was the seed parent; and the white-fleshed saucer peach tree ‘Galaxy’ (non-patented) and, which was used as the pollen parent. One seedling, N32.123, which is the present variety, exhibited especially desirable characteristics, and was marked for subsequent observation. After the 2009 fruiting season, the new, present variety, was selected for advanced evaluation, and propagation.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Asexual reproduction of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree was accomplished by budding the new nectarine tree to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented). This was performed by us in our experimental orchard which is located near Fowler, Calif. Subsequent evaluations have shown that these asexual reproductions run true to the original tree. All characteristics of the original tree, and its fruit, were established, and appear to be transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations. We have observed fruit from approximately 15 propagated trees for the past 4 successive years.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

‘Burnecttwentyeight’ is a new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, which is considered of large size, and which has vigorous growth. This new nectarine tree variety is also a regular and productive bearer of relatively large, firm, acidic, yellow fleshed, non-melting, clingstone fruit which have good flavor and eating quality. The tree of the present variety displays a medium chilling requirement of approximately 450 hours. Still further, the present tree also produces relatively uniformly sized fruit throughout the tree. Additionally, the fruit produced by the present tree has a very high degree of red skin coloration, a firm flesh, and also appears to have good handling and shipping qualities. The ‘Burnecttwentyeight’ Nectarine tree bears fruit which are ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment on approximately June 16 to June 26 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. In relative comparison to the seed parent, ‘Burnecttwentytwo’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 21,724), the ‘Burnecttwentyeight’ nectarine ripens 10-14 days later. In relative comparison to the pollen parent, the ‘Galaxy’ peach tree, the current variety produces a nectarine which has a globose form. The nectarine tree, ‘Spring Bright’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,507), which is the most closely similar commercial variety known at this time produces fruit which are both smaller and further has less external red blush than what is displayed by the present new variety. Additionally, the current variety displays a more consistent fruit set from which to select fruiting positions, and fruit numbers per tree.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing, which is provided, is a color photograph of the new variety of nectarine tree. The photograph as provided depicts two whole mature fruit displaying both apical and basal aspects, and one mature fruit is seen and which is dissected substantially in the equatorial plane as viewed from the basal perspective. This reveals the flesh and the stone characteristics thereof. The external coloration of the fruit, as shown, is sufficiently matured for harvesting and shipment. Additionally, the photograph displays a sample vegetative shoot bearing typical leaves, and a typical stone, with the flesh removed. The colors in the photograph are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type. Due to chemical development, processing, and printing, the leaves and fruit depicted in these photographs may or may not be accurate when compared to the actual specimen. For this reason, future color references should be made to the color plates (Royal Horticultural Society Fourth Edition, 2001.) and the descriptions provided, hereinafter.

NOT A COMMERCIAL WARRANTY

The following detailed description has been prepared to solely comply with the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, and does not constitute a commercial warranty, (either expressed or implied), that the present variety will, in the future, display the botanical, pomological or other characteristics as set forth, hereinafter. Therefore, this disclosure may not be relied upon to support any future legal claims including, but not limited to, breach of warranty of merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose, or non-infringement which is directed, in whole, or in part, to the present variety.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the pomological details of this new and distinct variety of nectarine tree, the following has been observed during the sixth fruiting season under the ecological conditions prevailing at our orchards which are located near the town of Fowler, county of Fresno, state of Calif. All major color code designations are by reference to the R.H.S. Color Chart (Fourth Edition, 2001) and which is provided by The Royal Horticultural Society of Great Britain. Common color names are also occasionally used.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Generally — Considered medium-large as compared to             other common commercial nectarine cultivars ripening in the             same season of maturity.         -   Tree height.—The tree of the present variety was pruned to a             height of approximately 305.0 cm to about 310.0 cm at             maturity. There exists ample tree vigor to extend the tree             height beyond the stated range, and which is typically             established by individual fruit growers. Because the             resulting tree height is principally influenced by             horticultural practices, it is therefore not particularly             distinctive of the variety.         -   Canopy width.—The canopy width of the present variety was             pruned to occupy approximately 300.0 cm to 310.0 cm at             maturity. As noted above, there exists ample tree vigor to             extend the tree canopy width beyond the stated range and             which is typically established by individual fruit growers.             Because the resulting tree canopy width is principally             influenced by horticultural practices, it is therefore not             particularly distinctive of the variety.         -   Vigor.—Considered vigorous. The present variety grew from             about 190.0 cm to 205.0 cm in height during the first             growing season. The new nectarine tree variety was pruned to             a height of approximately 150.0 cm during the first dormant             season, and primary scaffolds were then selected for the             desired and resulting tree structure.         -   Productivity.—Productive. The fruit set varies from 4.0 to             several times more than the desired crop load. The fruit set             is spaced by thinning to develop the remaining fruit into             the desired market-sized fruit. The number of the fruit set             varies with the prevailing climatic conditions, and the             current cultural practices employed during the bloom period.             Therefore, this characteristic is not distinctive of this             new variety.         -   Fruit bearing.—Regular. Fruit set has been heavy, and             significant thinning was necessary during the past 4 growing             seasons.         -   Tree form.—Upright, and pruned into a resulting vase shape.         -   Tree density.—Considered medium dense. It has been             discovered that pruning the branches from the center of the             tree to obtain a resulting vase shape allows for a proper             amount of air movement in the tree, and an appropriate             amount of sunlight to reach the tree so as to enhance the             resulting fruit color and further encourage the renewal of             fruiting wood throughout the entire tree.         -   Hardiness.—The present tree was grown, and evaluated in USDA             Hardiness Zone 9.         -   Winter chilling requirements.—The winter chilling             requirements of the new tree are approximately 450 hours at             a temperature below 7.0 degrees C. The present variety             appears to be hardy under typical Central San Joaquin Valley             climatic conditions. -   Trunk:     -   -   Diameter.—Approximately 17.0 cm in diameter when measured at             a distance of approximately 15.24 cm above the soil level.             This was measured on trees at the end of the fourth growing             season.         -   Bark texture.—Considered moderately rough, with numerous             folds of papery scarfskin being present.         -   Lenticels.—Numerous flat, oval lenticels are present. The             lenticels range in size from approximately 4.0 to about 6.0             millimeters in width; and from about 1.0 to about 2.0             millimeters in height. It should be noted that as the bark             of the trees mature, the lenticels become less apparent, and             also less abundant.         -   Lenticel color.—Considered an Orange-Brown, (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 166 D).         -   Bark coloration.—Variable, but it is generally considered to             be Gray-Brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 174 A). -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium-large for the variety.         -   Diameter.—Average as compared to other nectarine tree             varieties. The branches have a diameter of about 9.0             centimeters when measured on trees during the fourth year             after grafting.         -   Surface texture.—Average, and appearing furrowed on wood             which is several years old.         -   Crotch angles.—Primary branches are considered variable             between about 50 to about 52 degrees from the horizontal             axis. This particular characteristic is not considered             distinctive of the present variety, however.         -   Current season shoots.—Surface texture — Substantially             glabrous.         -   Internode length.—Approximately 2.4 to about 2.7 cm. This             tree characteristic is highly dependent upon plant vigor and             further influenced by nutrition, soil quality, pruning and             tree care. Consequently, this trait is not particularly             distinctive of the new variety.         -   Color of mature branches.—Medium-brown, (RHS Greyed-Orange             166 B).         -   Current season shoots.—Color — Light green, (RHS Green Group             137 B). The color of the new shoot tips is considered a             bright and shiny green (RHS Green Group 137 A). -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Considered medium for the species. Leaf measurements             have been taken from vigorous, upright, current-season             growth, at approximately mid-shoot.         -   Leaf length.—Approximately 148.0 to about 155.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf width.—Approximately 34.0 to about 37.0 millimeters.         -   Leaf base shape.—Slightly oblique relative to the             longitudinal axis of the leaf.         -   Leaf form.—Lancelolate.         -   Leaf tip form.—Considered rostratus.         -   Leaf color.—Upper Surface — Dark green, (approximately RHS             Green Group 136 A).         -   Leaf texture.—Glabrous.         -   Leaf color.—Lower Surface — Medium green, (RHS Green Group             137 B).         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnately veined.         -   Mid-vein.—Color. — Light yellow green, (RHS Yellow-Green             Group 144 B).         -   Leaf margins.—Generally — Slightly undulating. Form. —             Considered crenate, occasionally doubly crenate. Uniformity.             — Considered generally uniform.         -   Leaf petioles.—Size — Considered long. Length — About 13.0             to about 14.0 mm. Diameter — About 1.5 to about 2.0 mm.             Color — Pale green, (RHS Yellow-Green Group 150D).         -   Leaf glands.—Size — Considered generally small. About 1.0 mm             in height, and about 1.0 mm in width. Number — Generally one             per side, occasionally two per side may be found. Rarely it             appears that glands are absent. Type — Globose. Considered             reasonably unappressed relative to the petiole margin, and             relatively small. The glands on more mature leaves are             occasionally senescent. Color — Orange brown, (RHS             Greyed-Green Group N189 B).         -   Leaf stipules.—Size — Medium. Length — Approximately             5.0-7.0 mm. Width — Approximately 1.0-1.5 mm. Number —             Typically 2 per leaf bud, and up to 6 per shoot tip. Form —             Lanceolate in form, and having a serrated margin. Color —             Green, (RHS Green Group 141 A) when juvenile, but then             graduating to a brown color, (RHS Greyed-Orange Group 177 B)             with advancing senescence. The stipules are considered to be             early deciduous. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Flower buds.—Generally — The floral buds, depending upon the             stage of development, are approximately 8.0 millimeters             wide; and about 12.0 millimeters long; conic in form; and             slightly appressed relative to the bearing shoot.         -   Flower bud scales.—Color — The bud scales are reddish-brown,             (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 178 A). The buds are             considered hardy under typical central San Joaquin Valley             climatic conditions.         -   Hardiness.—No winter injury has been noted during the last             several years of evaluation in the central San Joaquin             Valley. The current variety has not been intentionally             subjected to drought or heat stress, and therefore this             information is not presently available. -   Flowers:     -   -   Blooming time.—Considered early to mid-season in relative             comparison to other commercial nectarine cultivars grown in             the central San Joaquin Valley.         -   Date the first bloom was observed.—Feb. 17, 2013. Date of             full bloom was first observed on Feb. 24, 2013.—The date of             bloom varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions, and cultural practices which are employed.         -   Duration of the bloom.—Approximately 7-10 days. This             characteristic varies slightly with the prevailing climatic             conditions.         -   Flower class.—Perfect and perigynous.         -   Flower type.—The variety is considered to have a showy-type             flower.         -   Flower size.—The flower diameter at full bloom is             approximately 38.0 to about 42.0 millimeters.         -   Bloom quantity.—Considered very abundant.         -   Flower bud frequency.—Normally 2 flower buds appear per             node. Rarely 3 buds per node may be observed.         -   Petal size.—Generally — Considered medium-large for the             species. Length. — Approximately 18.0 to about 20.0             millimeters. Width. — Approximately 16.0 to about 18.0             millimeters.         -   Petal form.—Rotund to slightly ovate.         -   Petal count.—Typically 5. Occasionally individual flower             petal counts are doubled.         -   Petal texture.—Glabrous.         -   Petal color.—Considered Light pink, (RHS Red-Purple Group             62 B) to a medium pink, (RHS Red-Purple Group N57 C).         -   Fragrance.—Slight.         -   Petal claw.—Form — The claw is considered truncate in shape,             and has a generally large size when compared to other             varieties. Length. — Approximately 11.0 to about 13.0             millimeters. Width. — Approximately 10.0 to about 11.0             millimeters.         -   Petal margin shapes.—Generally considered variable, from             nearly smooth, to moderately undulate.         -   Petal apex.—Generally — The petal apices appear entire             without an apical groove.         -   Flower pedicel.—Length. — Considered medium-long, and having             an average length of approximately 5.0 to about 7.0             millimeters. Diameter. — Considered average, approximately             2.0 to 3.0 millimeters. Color. — A pale green when the bud             scales are removed, (RHS Greyed-Green Group 194 B).         -   Floral nectaries.—Color. — An orange-brown , (RHS             Greyed-Orange Group N172 B).         -   Calyx.—Surface Texture. — Generally glabrous. Color. — A             dull red, (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 176 A).         -   Sepals.—Surface Texture. — The surface has a short, fine,             pubescent texture. Number. — Nearly always 5. Size. —             Average; and ovate in form. Sepal Length. — Approximately             5.0-6.0 mm. Sepal Width. — Approximately 4.0-6.0 mm. Sepal             Margin. — Entire. Sepal Color. — A dark reddish purple,             (approximately RHS Greyed-Red Group 176 B).         -   Anthers.—Generally. — Large in size. Color. — Red to             reddish-purple, (approximately RHS Greyed-Purple Group             187 C) prior to dehiscence.         -   Pollen production.—Pollen is abundant, and has a yellow             color, (approximately RHS Yellow Group 11 A).         -   Fertility.—Self Fertile.         -   Filaments.—Size. — Variable in length, approximately 13.0 to             about 17.0 millimeters in length. Color. — Considered a pale             pink, (RHS Red-Purple Group 65 C) at maturity.         -   Pistil.—Number. — Normally 1, very rarely 2. Size. —             Average. Length. — Approximately 16.0 to about 20.0             millimeters including the ovary. Color. — Considered a very             pale green, (approximately RHS Yellow-Green Group 145 C).             Surface Texture. — The variety has a long glabrous pistil. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe condition (shipping             ripe). Date of first picking. — approximately Jun. 16, 2013.             Date of last picking. — Jun. 27, 2013. The date of harvest             varies slightly with the prevailing climatic conditions.         -   Size.—Generally — Considered large, and uniform.         -   Average cheek diameter.—Approximately 72.0 to about 77.0             millimeters.         -   Average axial diameter.—Approximately 72.0 to about 76.0             millimeters.         -   Typical weight.—Approximately 258.0 grams. This             characteristic is highly dependent upon the prevailing             cultural practices, and therefore is not particularly             distinctive of this new variety.         -   Fruit form.—Generally — Rounded to slightly oblate. The             fruit is generally uniform in symmetry.         -   Fruit suture.—Shallow, and extending from the mid-equatorial             region to the apex. No apparent callousing or stitching             exists along the suture line.         -   Suture.—Color — The background color appears to be an orange             yellow, (approximately RHS Orange Group N25 D), with             occasional red coloration, (approximately RHS Red Group 46             A).         -   Ventral surface.—Form — Full. The fruit can exhibit some             lobbing on one side of the suture.         -   Apex.—Shape — Rounded.         -   Base.—Shape — Retuse.         -   Stem cavity.—Shape — Rounded and relatively shallow. The             average depth of the stem cavity is about 1.0 cm. The             average width of the stem cavity is about 1.90 cm.         -   Fruit skin.—Thickness. — Considered medium in thickness, and             tenacious to the flesh. Surface Texture. — Glabrous. Taste.             — Slight astringency is noted. Tendency to crack. — Cracking             has not been observed. Russeting has not been observed to             date on the oldest bearing trees.         -   Fruit skin color.—Blush Color. — The blush color is variable             from a medium red, (approximately RHS Red Group 44 A) to a             dark red, (approximately RHS Red Group 46 A). The blush             color ranges from approximately 85% to about 95% of the             fruit surface depending upon the sunlight exposure and the             prevailing growing conditions.         -   Ground color.—Generally a deep yellow, (approximately RHS             Orange Group 15 D).         -   Fruit stem.—Moderate in length, approximately 7.0 to about             9.0 millimeters. Diameter. — Approximately 2.0 to about 3.0             millimeters. Color. — Light tan, (approximately RHS             Greyed-Orange Group 164 D).         -   Flesh.—Ripening — Evenly. Texture. — Firm, and dense.             Considered non-melting. Fibers. — Few, small, and tender             ones are apparent. Aroma. — Slight. Eating Quality. —             Considered good. Flavor. — Considered sweet and acidic. The             flavor is considered pleasant. Acid. — Considered an acidic             fruit. Approximately 0.80 titratable acidity was detected.             Flesh acidity varies slightly with growing conditions and             flesh maturity. Juice Production. — Moderate. Brix. — About             14.5 degrees. This characteristic varies slightly with the             number of fruit per tree, the prevailing cultural practices,             and the surrounding climatic conditions. Flesh Color. —             Yellow, (approximately RHS Yellow-Orange Group 17 C). -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Clingstone.         -   Size.—Considered medium-large for the variety. The stone             size varies with the resulting crop load, and tree vigor,             and is therefore is not considered a distinguishing             characteristic of this new variety.         -   Length.—Average, about 27.0 to about 31.0 millimeters.         -   Width.—Average, about 22.0 to about 25.0 millimeters.         -   Diameter.—Average, about 17.0 to about 23.0 millimeters.         -   Stone form.—Obovoid.         -   Stone base.—The stone is relatively uniform in its margin             relative to the stone's vertical axis.         -   Apex.—Shape — The stone apex is relatively smooth.         -   Stone surface.—Surface Texture — Substantial pitting is             evident and in general is seen from the base, and extending             past the equatorial plane. Grooving is usually observed             along the pit margin, and near the tip as well as on the             ventral side. Ridges. — Texture — The surface texture is             generally rounded. Ventral Edge. — Width — Considered             medium, and having a dimension of approximately 3.0 to about             4.0 millimeters when this dimension is measured at             mid-suture. Dorsal Edge. — Shape — Full, moderately grooved,             and having relatively smooth edges.         -   Stone color.—The color of the dry stone is a tan             (approximately RHS Greyed-Orange Group 172 B).         -   Tendency to split.—On rare occasions splits have been noted.         -   Kernel.—Generally — The kernel, when the fruit is picking             ripe, is not completely mature as compared to the kernels of             fruit varieties having a greater developmental period.             Length. — Approximately 18.0-121.0 mm. Width. —             Approximately 14.0-18.0 mm. Thickness. — Approximately             3.0-6.0 mm. Form. — Considered ovoid. Pellicle. — Pubescent.             Color. — Considered to be a pale tan (RHS Greyed-Yellow             Group 162 D).         -   Use.—The new variety ‘Burnecttwentyeight’ is considered to             be a Nectarine tree which matures early in the season, and             which produces fruit, which are considered firm,             attractively colored, flavorful, and which are useful for             both local and long distance shipping.         -   Keeping quality.—Appears excellent. The fruit has stored             well for up to 25 days after harvest at 1.0 degree Celsius.         -   Shipping quality.—Good. The fruit of the new nectarine tree             variety showed minimal bruising of the flesh, or skin             damage, after being subjected to normal harvest and packing             procedures.         -   Resistance to insects and disease.—No particular             susceptibilities were noted. The present variety has not             been tested to expose or detect any susceptibilities or             resistances to any known plant and/or fruit diseases.             Although the new variety of nectarine tree possesses the             described characteristics when grown under the ecological             conditions prevailing near Fowler, Calif., in the central             part of the San Joaquin Valley of California, it should be             understood that variations of the usual magnitude and             characteristics incident to changes in growing conditions,             fertilization, pruning, pest control and horticultural             management are to be expected. 

Having thus described and illustrated our new variety nectarine tree, what we claim is new and desire to secure by Plant Letters Patent is:
 1. A new distinct variety of nectarine tree, substantially as illustrated and described, and which is characterized principally as to novelty by producing an attractively colored, non-melting, yellow-fleshed, acidic flavored clingstone nectarine which is mature for harvesting and shipment approximately June 16 to June 27 under the ecological conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of central California. 